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Whats up my fellow teamliquiders. Tests here asking for some advice on cars! I can get a car within the 45-50k range (used) and I have narrowed my choices so far down to the BMW M3 (Sedan), and the Lexus ISF. I would like some input on which one to get. I am not a seasoned car shopper as I have only owned one car before (335i coupe). Generally speaking, I have heard that the Lexus provides more bang for the buck because it's quality/comfort/ and maintenance is cheaper than the M3. However, I have also heard that the driving experience provided by the M3 is unmatched. I had a decent amount of problems with my previous beamer and my dad is pretty disappointed with the brand. He is urging me for the ISF, but I still have the choice. I have not test driven either yet (I plan to ASAP). Also, a big concern is that M3 is manual. I have never driven a manual car. Would it be hard to adapt and how annoying is it to drive in traffic?
I am open to any and all discussions about these two cars. '
Thanks!!
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ISF is rare if that counts for anything to you. And M3 does not just come in manual, there is a very good double clutch electronic paddleshifter gearbox as an option. I could never stand the aesthetics of the ISF (the stacked exhaust irks the hell out of me). I have been an M3 fan since as long as I can remember. There is just something extra that I can't quite put my finger on in an M3. The car just tingles your 6th sense somewhere. I presume you're shopping for the E92 coupe, the car is very very solid. You wouldn't regret it if you went ///M.
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Both cars were tested vs eachother in Top Gear Season 12, Episode 5 so watching that one should help you I guess.
Imo driving a manual is not hard but I learned to drive in one so I might be wrong. But it is alot more "fun" to drive a manual anyways so it is worth it.
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Uh... nearly every car here in Germany is manual. You´ll probably need some time to get used to it, but its not that hard honestly. And as soon as you´re used to it you won´t even notice when you change gears. My mother´s car is automatic (she got this one with some modifications after she couldn´t lift her right arm after a stroke, thats pretty much the restriction : You should have two arms oO), and I don´t feel I have to concentrate more in my car (or hers). Its pretty much "switching brain off to not get incredibly bored and go" either way.
(Side note : is engine breaking even possible with an automatic car ? Would be a reason for me to always buy a manual car to be honest if not, but I do drive through mountains from time to time).
So that should probably not be the deciding factor (at least if you´re not living in the mountains, I´m still uncertain about that argument). Go for the car that feels better or has lower maintenance or better service support in your area or whatever is higher on your own priority list.
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Jok3r, actually, I am going for the sedan. My 335i was a coupe and.....yeah.... coupe hands down looks the best.....but not having 4 doors and always going out with friends is very annoying. The 4D and coupe are same performance wise right? Do they just look different? Also, what do you mean by double clutch electronic paddleshifter gearbox. Is that a form of semi-automatic? Sorry, I am a noobie with cars.
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Actually, the M3 does come with a manual, I have driven one... Though it was an E93, not an E90. Shouldn't make a difference either way. You're missing out on the driving experience if you are not driving manual. The double clutch transmission is essentially an automated manual, which uses two clutches to engage gears; one for the even gears and the other for the odds. This makes for a very quick shift time. You can shift by two levers mounted on the steering wheel, there is no clutch pedal that you have to use as it is all done electronically.
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Qoooq, the thing is, one: Learning manual transmission. Two: Driving in traffic in manual from and to work. Three: I won't be the only one using this car. The car is going to be mine, but my brother/cousins/parents often use my current car, so they will use this car as well.
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United Kingdom124 Posts
personally id choose the manual m3 hands down but based on whats written in the op it seems like the isf is prob the better choice for you. but test drive both and see what you like the feel of better is the key, you can't go wrong with either (unless one is arguing that spending 50k on a car is already going wrong).
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Unless your brother/cousins/parents have learning disability they should probably learn to drive manual too. That will only help giving them more options in the future. I don't understand number 2, it might get annoying if traffic stops literally every minute or something but just think of that as more practice imo.
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Yeah, good point. I don't think manual would be too big of a deal learning. Also, whats the big difference between each year for M3 sedan? I know from 2008 to 2009 the back got redone (2008 is ugly tbh). Anyone know?
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Bump
User was warned for this post
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The differences are negligible between the M3 2008 model to 2011. Without getting too specific (you can simply google the see the changes) it is only cosmetic as BMW seeks to improve the aerodynamics of the car, and air intake. For example, the 2010 (or 2009, I cannot recall which at the moment) has slightly larger grills to allow more air flow.
To answer your question in short, it doesn't matter which M3 you get as long as it isn't older than 2008. You won't regret it. The new M3 coming out in 2012 will be significantly different.
I am also considering a IS-F or a M3 (coupe). As of right now, I'm leaning towards the Bimmer.
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Hi folks, I found this forum by accident looking for good comparisons. I own a 2008 IS-f and recently purchased a BMW 650i for my wife. After driving the 650i I found myself wanting to check out the M3. This past weekend my wife and I went to our regular dealer and inspected and drove a 2011 M3 coupe. I will go over the big issues.
1. The luxury is non-existent in the M3. Steering wheel adjustment in manual, no back up camera standard, sparse dash etc.
2. The new DCT is horrible for driving daily, you never feel connected with the car.
3. They are all over the place in the DFW area.
4. Its quiet even in M mode.
5. I am so sorry to say this but It was boring and after driving it I was so let down.
Well you can probably surmise I kept my ISF. Maybe I need to look at an M5 or M6 as the M3 isnt even close to the quality of the 650I let alone the ISF.
The ISF is luxury, has a quality build and layout inside, makes all the right noises, is bulletproof, and is rare. There are a lot more points to make but really, it will come down to your preferences. both cars are nice, I was depressed the M3 was so far off the mark for me but I am sure its just me.
Good luck.
Andy
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